Posted on: 31 July 2023
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) welcomes a new recycling initiative designed to tackle the environmental impact of pre-filled injection pens used by people living with diabetes and obesity.
The scheme, called PenCycle, makes it easier for people to recycle their empty diabetes and weight management treatment Novo Nordisk pre-filled pens, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. PenCycle has been rolled out nationally following pilots in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire & Rutland, and Glasgow.
Nationally, around 23 million pre-filled pens are distributed each year, with around 360,000 of those going to homes across West Yorkshire.
Dr Waqas Tahir, Clinical Diabetes Lead for WY HCP and Bradford District and Craven System Programme said: “With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the country the use of pre-filled pens can be an integral part of managing the condition.
"We’re pleased to support this scheme empowering patients to play an active role in protecting the environment by reducing the number of pens ending up in landfill or being incinerated and potentially polluting our ecosystems.”
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Chair of the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Clinical and Professional Leadership Forum said: “This is just one initiative where the health and care sector is working together to contribute to a greener future while simultaneously improving the quality of care for patients and contributing towards critical environmental targets.
"We hope as many as people as possible will take the opportunity to support PenCycle and help tackle the environmental impact of pre-filled pens.”
People have a choice of two free return options using a dedicated PenCycle returns box, including community pharmacy drop off at participating pharmacies, and via the post. The pens are returned to Denmark where the materials are recycled into a range of items such as chairs, lamps and other glassware. PenCycle return boxes are also recycled as part of the process.
Participating pharmacies receive a PenCycle starter pack which contains practical guidance on the initiative, patient information and materials for patients to take home and start PenCycling.
See the PenCycle website for more information about the recycling scheme and a list of participating pharmacies.